Weekend Blitz

We just started getting our replacement cards from Chase with the “Smart Chips” embedded in them:

Hello new Chase Sapphire Preferred, you’re about to make my traveling life so much easier….

The “Smart Chip”, “Chip and Signature,” “EMV” or simply “chip” technology can be a live saver when traveling. While just now being introduced in the US, the payment technology is widespread throughout Europe and Asia.

Most retailers abroad have the option to use the chip or swipe with the antiquated magnetic strip, [...]

Until about 10 minutes ago, I had absolutely no idea that Costco has a Hyatt discount code for members.

Now, this is not to be confused with “Costco Travel,” which is basically just an online travel agency no different than Orbitz or Expedia:

The Deal

Using Costco’s discount code can save you big when booking Hyatt hotels. A few samples:

Fresh after landing at Paris-CDG, we had hoped to have a chance to check out the Air France Arrivals Lounge at Charles de Gaulle but were worried about making our train connection. So we just sucked it up and scurried out to baggage claims, but not before passing a very casual form of “Customs and Immigration” which consisted of an area with a few French police/military decked out in fatigues and submachine guns. They stopped me, seemed confused that I spoke French and then insinuated that I’d just come off the flight from either Casablanca or Cairo, when I corrected them and said that I came from New York JFK they seemed even more confused, checked the arrivals board and then waved [...]

Everyone loves a weekend getaway, but, when Thursday comes, I usually find myself a bit… shall we say, perplexed… over what to pack. I’m just staring into my closet thinking the ideas will come to me if I stare long enough.

The trickiest part about packing is where you’re headed. Does the weather match your hometown? If not, you may need to pull out your off-season stored clothes. What activities do you plan to do? If you’re planning a wide variety of activities – from shopping, to climbing a mountain, you’ll have to remember to pack accordingly.

While it’s all very elementary stuff, it can still be hard to squeeze [...]

I had a reservation at a Sheraton property that I made many weeks ago at the Fed/Gov’t rate. On the morning of my check-in date, I received a call from the hotel manager explaining that they were overbooked for the night and were starting by calling all SPG Platinum/Gold members to see if they would be willing to accept Starpoints for having their reservation cancelled. He said that they’re offering 7,000 Starpoints for volunteers (this is equal to 1 free night at the property)–I paused and thought about my travel plans:  they were, in fact, flexible and I didn’t have to stay at that particular property.  Suspecting that they [...]

So, I’m no Jeffrey, which means I might not have taken photos of every single thing Kristen & I did in New York last weekend… no hotel room pic, not a lot of food pics… But hey, I did my best.

Here’s a look back at the fun Kristen and I had in the big city!

Welcome to New York!

First stop: the most delicious brunch at Upstairs at The Kimberly

Upstairs at the Kimberly

And one more view from our brunch – 30 [...]

So, Father’s Day is just around the corner and, if you’re like me, you’re buying your dad’s gift…tomorrow…hopefully…?

If you’re still at a loss for what to get Dear Old Dad, here’s a few travel-inspired gifts that won’t break the bank.

I have been dying for a globe – and my guess is that dads would like this, too:  to sit on his desk and spin when he’s bored, or daydream (do dads daydream?) about where to travel next.

I like this globe because it’s more muted than other globes I’ve seen, and the off-white ocean color seems a bit more Dad-ish than a bright blue.  I’ve seen [...]

We’re leaving early tomorrow morning and coming back Sunday night, for a full two days and one night in the city! [...]